THP to accept applications for new trooper cadet class

The Tennessee Highway Patrol announced it opened the application process for a new trooper cadet class slated to begin Feb. 1.

Applications will be accepted online only through Tuesday.

All applicants must apply online through the Tennessee Department of Human Resources at agency.governmentjobs.com/tennessee. Applications will not be accepted after Tuesday. Once approved, applicants will be notified of their qualification status. There is no longer an examination portion to qualify for the state trooper position.

Individuals interested in applying for the position of state trooper must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Two years of college or military or previous law enforcement experience is preferred. Applicants with felony convictions will not be considered.

Following the passage of the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management Act, the hiring method for becoming a state trooper has been revised to incorporate an interview process that tests the applicant’s knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies. As a result, selected applicants will be required to successfully pass the physical agility test prior to being admitted for an interview. THP anticipates the agility test and interview appointments to begin Sept. 3.

If hired, individuals must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and are required to successfully complete a level II background investigation, which includes a credit check and polygraph test. Recruits must also pass a psychological and medical examination, including a drug screening.

There are currently 884 authorized commissioned officer positions within the THP. Trooper recruits will be assigned to vacant positions across the state upon graduation. The starting salary for a cadet during training is $2,679 per month. Upon graduation and commissioning as a Tennessee state trooper, the salary will increase to $2,965 per month and includes other benefits such as a paid pension plan, low-cost health insurance and paid holidays. Uniforms, equipment and patrol vehicles are also provided by the THP. With regular pay increases, a trooper can earn $52,872 per year after 10 years of service under the current pay structure. Trooper cadet training will last 20 weeks.

For additional information on becoming a Tennessee state trooper, visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety/thp/school.shtml. For more information about applications and testing, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Applicant Services Division at 615-741-4841.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to ensure the state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.